Description

These Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Cowboy Candy Chicken Wings offer a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, with a sticky pineapple sauce that’s incredibly addictive.

Ingredients

Scale

3–4 pounds fresh chicken wings

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 tablespoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium yellow onion

4–5 cloves garlic

2–3 fresh jalapeños

1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple

½ cup pineapple juice

½ cup apple cider vinegar

½ cup light brown sugar

½ cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon ground ginger

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

µ teaspoon liquid smoke

1–2 tablespoons cornstarch slurry

fresh cilantro

sesame seeds

extra fresh jalapeño slices

lime wedges

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, placing a wire rack on top.
In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper until well-coated.
Arrange the seasoned wings on the wire rack in a single layer and bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
While the wings are baking, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then sauté the diced onion until translucent.
Add the minced garlic and jalapeños to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the crushed pineapple, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
If desired, stir in liquid smoke for added flavor and create a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce to your liking.
Once the wings are cooked and crispy, toss them in the pineapple cowboy candy sauce until well coated.
Serve the chicken wings garnished with chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, jalapeño slices, and lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

For an extra crispy skin, ensure the wings are thoroughly dry before seasoning. Adjust the spice levels in the sauce according to your heat preference.

Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: 30
Category: Dinner
Method: baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4–5 wings (depending on size)
Calories: 380 kcal
Sugar: 17 g
Sodium: 840 mg
Fat: 16 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Cowboy Candy Chicken Wings, chicken wings, pineapple sauce, spicy wings, sweet wings